***Official Under 19 World Cup Thread***

OK, so it might be a bit facetious me starting this thread, but still, it's only a bit over two weeks away.

Groups A and B will see one of the stronger sides miss out on qualifying - with Bangladesh's strength at U/19, and Australia's performance at the last WC creating a dogfight between themselves, the Windies and the South Africans. England have done themselves well with the draw, while one would expect India and Sri Lanka to qualify comfortably.

India look like the team to beat, while the rest of the subcontinent sides should be there and about. New Zealand have stayed off the radar, while there should be a few of the supposed "minnows" - read Nepal, especially - who cause a few suprises.

The practice matches on the three preceding days to the Opening Ceremony should provide the best form guide. Till then, in all truth, it's just guesswork.

Really looks like England have lucked out there with that draw. When do teams find out who they're playing in the practice matches?

Originally Posted by flibbertyjibber

Only a bunch of convicts having been beaten 3-0 and gone 9 tests without a win and won just 1 in 11 against England could go into the home series saying they will win. England will win in Australia again this winter as they are a better side which they have shown this summer. 3-0 doesn't lie girls.

And if you had to pick a winner (objectively), who do you reckon it would be?

I'd say that the teams would be putting full-strength sides out on the park. I'm sure that's the angle Australia will take - our previous matches have entailed much experimentation with line-ups, captains, etc.

India have won all the series that they've played so far in the past year, and would look like the favourites. Especially with the tournament being in the subcontinent - last time it was in Sri Lanka, three of the four semi-finalists were Ind, Pak and SL.

I'd say that the teams would be putting full-strength sides out on the park. I'm sure that's the angle Australia will take - our previous matches have entailed much experimentation with line-ups, captains, etc.

India have knocked over all comers so far in the past year, and would look like the favourites. Especially with the tournament being in the subcontinent - last time it was in Sri Lanka, three of the four semi-finalists were Ind, Pak and SL.

I think Piyush Chawla will turn out huge for India in this tournament. There are others like Cheteshwar Pujara and Mayank Tehlan, but I think Chawla will become the 2nd one-day spinner for India at some point in 2006.

Woah. Come on Burpey, I was just trying to find out who the favourites were, which Jack told me. Obviously Jack's going to go in believing that Australia can and will win, as will every country (apart from USA and the like).